Major Themes in King Lear

Understanding the major themes in
King Lear is essential to understanding the play. We'll take a look at the
theme of blindness in King Lear along with a look at appearance vs. reality.

Blindness in King Lear

The theme of blindness in King
Lear is perhaps the most discussed. I shall add to the discussion.
Cornwall and Regan poke out
Gloucester's eye in retaliation for his aiding of Lear. This physical blindness
represents the symbolic blindness of Gloucester and Lear: (1) They are both
blind to the intentions of their children, wrongfully banishing the loyal one and
rewarding the devious ones; (2) They are blind to their responsibilities.
Gloucester's adultery leads to the illegitimate Edmund who causes strife in his
kingdom. Lear's abdication of the throne and handing over of power to self
serving individuals leads to his downfall; (3) It is also apparent that Lear
was blind to the needs of his people during his reign as evidenced by his
remorse over not taking care of the less fortunate.
Along with blindness, madness plays
an important role. The mad babblings of the fool carry wisdom much in the same
way Lear finds wisdom as he goes mad. It is probable that Lear's madness causes
the tragedy as much as the tragedy causes his madness. Lear's behavior in the
play's opening scene shows signs of mental illness, an illness that perhaps his
most loyal daughter and most loyal servant recognize. This could be why the two
remain loyal to the king, notwithstanding his ill treatment of them.

Appearance vs. Reality in King Lear

Closely related to the theme
of blindness in King Lear is the understanding of appearance vs. reality.
It, therefore, occupies the next spot in our discussion.
Nothing is as it seems in the play.
The king isn't really the king anymore. The good daughters are the bad
daughters and the disowned daughter is the only true daughter. Edgar is the
loyal son, but is made to look like a traitor while Edmund, the traitorous son,
appears to be the savior of the family. The fool is wise and the wise are
fools.
Disorder reigns as Goneril becomes
the authority figure in her relationship with Albany, even taking over rule of
the military. The sisters are anything but sisterly, attempting to win the
heart of the ruthless Edmund, who has no heart. Poor Tom (Edgar) is a the son
of a nobleman and Caius the beggar is actually the loyal Kent. Those who are
loyal have every reason to be disloyal and those who are disloyal have every
reason to be loyal.

Responsibility in King Lear

A look at King Lear major
themes must include a discussion of King Lear's responsibilities and how is
abdication brought forth negative consequences.
At the heart of all the problems
present in the play is the lack of responsibility demonstrated by Lear and
Gloucester. Lear, according to England's divine right of kings, has a
responsibility to his subjects, which he carelessly turns over to his two
wicked daughters. In addition, he has responsibilities toward Cordelia, his
youngest, to take care of her. Cordelia as well has a responsibility to take
care of her father who is not in his right mind, something of which she is
capable by merely exaggerating her love for him at the play's opening.
Gloucester has a responsibility to
his wife, which he does not live up to, having committed adultery. He also has
a responsibility to his sons, one of which he banishes. It's possible that his
trust of Edmund stems from the guilt of bringing a bastard son into the world
and the inherent shame Edmund has to bear.

King Lear Study Guide

Use this King Lear Study Guide to get the most out of one of Shakespeare's most complicated plays.